tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44474358464555692372018-03-06T06:29:01.221-05:00FIGUR(E)-atively SpeakingThe tales of a skinny girl turned fat girl turning phat girl. My body's journey through life.
Figur(e)atively speaking, of course.FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-55862090717636403972012-06-23T10:27:00.001-04:002012-06-23T10:27:05.548-04:00Power Brekky!This morning's breakfast: <br />Sandwich Skinny bun<br />2 eggs<br />Greek yogurt<br />Garlic powder<br />Yellow peppers<br /><br />Delicious and energizing! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CvvTpRXYsqg/T-XSNxDlEiI/AAAAAAAAAMY/7XWr08UEe9A/s640/blogger-image--1484664765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CvvTpRXYsqg/T-XSNxDlEiI/AAAAAAAAAMY/7XWr08UEe9A/s640/blogger-image--1484664765.jpg" /></a></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-14742058212421377172012-06-20T20:05:00.000-04:002012-06-20T20:05:46.600-04:00Julie, Julia and Carlene<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are some movies I just should not be allowed to watch, especially alone, with no one available to pull me back down from the clouds. &nbsp;Included in the very long list of such films is Julie &amp; Julia. &nbsp;If you haven't seen it, it's a wonderful flick, full of humor, passion and lessons on when to give it your all and when to let go.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWTuKW7080A/T-JTMaNaPbI/AAAAAAAAAMA/tjlsO-UwxrA/s1600/JULIE&amp;JULIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWTuKW7080A/T-JTMaNaPbI/AAAAAAAAAMA/tjlsO-UwxrA/s320/JULIE&amp;JULIA.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/julieandjulia/">http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/julieandjulia/</a> </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first time I watched this movie, I was still fat and had no fear of trying to cook the rich, heavy foods with all their sauces and reductions. &nbsp;I learned that I love to be in the kitchen, it's a creative outlet for me. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I identify with so many of the quirks that each of the main characters contributes to the plot. &nbsp;Particularly, Julie Powell, the younger gal in the movie that finally "finishes something" for the first time in her life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I sat tonight, enjoying Julie &amp; Julia tonight (for probably at least the 10th time) I realized that right now, I'm working toward something similar to Julie committing to tackle all the recipes in Julia's cookbook. &nbsp;This something, is my figure competition. &nbsp;And while the date may have been moved, I'm still going to "complete my project", one day at a time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I got 5.34 miles in this morning, with Lily in the jogging stroller. &nbsp;It felt great! &nbsp;I walked at a brisk pace, no running yet, but I did have to push her thru some pretty crazy "terrain", the sidewalks here are CRAP! &nbsp;Kept my heart rate between 65% and 70% to make sure I didn't burn any precious muscle.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I ate my normal stuff throughout the day but Julie &amp; Julia motivated me to do something a little special for dinner. &nbsp;I threw a little Safflower oil in a pan and tossed in some onions, grape tomatoes, diced avocado and Garlic and Herb Mrs. Dash. &nbsp;I sauteed all that together and then topped it with lemon juice and a dollop of greek yogurt . &nbsp;I toasted one of my multi-grain "Sandwich Skinnys" buns and sprayed it with Earth Balance cooking spray and sprinkled it with garlic powder. &nbsp;My protein was a few ounces of seitan. &nbsp;It was delicious and energizing, below is a pic of the finished product.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_BY3ZB_Pbo/T-JkgQkYTvI/AAAAAAAAAMM/1eupHieCANo/s1600/IMG_0499%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_BY3ZB_Pbo/T-JkgQkYTvI/AAAAAAAAAMM/1eupHieCANo/s320/IMG_0499%5B1%5D" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Bon appe'tit!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-23333957567096146172012-06-20T00:00:00.001-04:002012-06-20T00:00:02.994-04:00Just Sayin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QqyUnQAi7jw/T-D4J1YTHyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/VhJggsunVOA/s1600/A+NEW+DAY!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QqyUnQAi7jw/T-D4J1YTHyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/VhJggsunVOA/s400/A+NEW+DAY!.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-9600821381498803952012-06-19T16:13:00.000-04:002012-06-19T16:13:38.560-04:00Where Do I Start???<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hmmm... it's been a while. &nbsp;Hi there! &nbsp;In one of the last blogs I wrote, I told you that I had changes happening so fast I could hardly see straight. &nbsp;Well, things have slowed down a bit and the fog is beginning to lift. &nbsp;Of course, summer vaca has started for the kids so there is less chaos in that arena. &nbsp;We received wonderful news that my son's turn has finally come up on the waiting list of the school we've been dying to have him attend, finally! &nbsp;We've been waiting three years for him to get his shot at attending one of the top ten schools in the state. &nbsp;In the fall, all three kiddos will be at the same school and we couldn't be happier about this.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, "that's all happy stuff and should make you feel more organized and on top of the world so where the hell have you been?", you're probably asking yourself. &nbsp;In a nutshell, my hubby got a new job that took him out of the country for no less than one year. &nbsp;We will be able to see each other twice during this year, for a few days each time, and that's it. &nbsp;We thought very hard and long about this and decided that, in the end, it is the best decision for our family. &nbsp;While I can't discuss where he is or what he's doing, the new job did include a promotion which will help us to be a little more financially stable. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, it also leaves me to raise three kids on my own for the next year. &nbsp;Thank God, we have great neighbors who watch out for us and have offered to help out however they can. &nbsp;One of the neighbors even told me one evening after I'd been gone a few hours that someone had parked in my driveway and "knocked on my door". &nbsp;Tee hee! &nbsp;Good thing I'm not up to any "funny business", she'd for sure know it if I was! &nbsp;LOL!</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway, I've been pretty darned depressed over the last 3 months or so and pretty much gave up on everything I'd been working so hard for fitness wise. &nbsp;I ate a bunch of crap, stopped working out (pretty much right after my last post) and wallowed in self pity for a while. &nbsp;I love my hubby, he's my bestest friend in the whole wide world and I miss him terribly.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BUT I HAVE TO PERSEVERE!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I am now going to look at my situation as an opportunity. &nbsp;I have time to work on building the physique I know I can have. &nbsp;When we agreed that he'd take this new position, I knew it meant canceling my competition I was going to do in July. &nbsp;It's always been a dream of mine to compete and to do it without him would absolutely ruin it for me. &nbsp;Besides that, I've never gone thru contest prep before and I'm not sure I can do it on my own with three kids! &nbsp;LOL! &nbsp; So, for the next year, I'll be in a "building phase". &nbsp;I have one year to GROW. &nbsp;Then at the end of that year, I will begin contest prep and hopefully compete in October 2013.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's to opportunities, new beginnings and all that life has to offer!</span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-71814883120216458652012-04-17T12:39:00.000-04:002012-04-17T12:39:50.894-04:00I'm still here!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Hi all!&nbsp; It's been a long time since I've blogged, I know.&nbsp; I've been missing it and I've noticed that my brain has been a little "bogged down" without the mental release that blogging provides me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Unfortunately, this post will not be too cathartic as it has to be a quickie.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I recieved a comment a couple of days ago asking how my training is progressing and where I've been.&nbsp; I want to let that person know how very much I appreciate they're checking in on me.&nbsp; Thank you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To answer this question, I'll tell you this: I have MAJOR change coming down the pipline at lightening speed!&nbsp; My life has basically been turned upside-down and currently, I am zooming thru some unknown blackhole.&nbsp; Ummm... yeah, that pretty much describes it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As far as my training goes, have no fear, I'm still at it!&nbsp; Actually, I have some happy news to report on the subject of my training that I can't wait to share with you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm planning a post to fill you in on all the details but right now, I have to go.&nbsp; Life is happening at a ridiculous pace all around me and if I relax for too long, there's gonna be trouble.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thank you again, to the sweet reader who messaged me.&nbsp; Your thoughts are appreciated!&nbsp;</span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-27091585273915136262012-03-06T10:47:00.000-05:002012-03-06T10:47:41.276-05:00My Theme Song(s)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">It's no secret that music moves the soul.&nbsp; It motivates.&nbsp; It empowers.&nbsp; It rocks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/fitfluential" target="_blank">FitFluential</a>&nbsp;invited us to share our favorite theme song.&nbsp; Well... I gotta a few cause cause that's just how I roll.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><u>Face the Pain by Stemme</u></strong> is my favorite weight lifting song.&nbsp; When you're throwing weights and putting tears in your muscle fibers, IT HURTS!&nbsp; It's PAINful.&nbsp;&nbsp;So each time I hear "No escape can you step to this"&nbsp;I think "Hecks yea I can!"&nbsp; Plus the beat is ridiculous!&nbsp;&nbsp;I can't hear it and not work my ass off!</span>&nbsp; (tee hee!&nbsp; gotta luv a double negative!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZAi9a5k-wvQ?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Face the Pain</u> - Stemme</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Face the pain, no escape can you step to this<br />Face the pain, Face the pain, It's ripping me into pieces<br />Face the pain, no escape can you step to this<br />Face the pain, Face the pain, It's ripping me into pieces</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>(For full&nbsp;lyrics, please click the link on the video)</em>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Now I gotta show my girl <strong>Kelly Clarkson</strong> some love too.&nbsp; Her song, <strong><u>Stronger </u></strong>is my ultimate motivator when I'm doing&nbsp;my HIIT (high intensity interval training).&nbsp; I have a tendancy to play this one when I have to do pullups too.&nbsp; It gets me thru just about anything.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/EntypTd1__I/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EntypTd1__I&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EntypTd1__I&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">So, I have one more song up my sleeve.&nbsp; It's the song I use for my visulization, my cool downs and sometimes I put it on repeat play and listen to it over and over because it resonates so strongly with me.&nbsp;<strong><u>Came to Win</u></strong> by <strong>Nicki Minaj</strong> featuring <strong>Rhianna.</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/Cc6_Fw5kDkU/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cc6_Fw5kDkU&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cc6_Fw5kDkU&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Do you have a theme song?&nbsp; What tune plays in your head when you need it most?</span>&nbsp;</div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-1685701042753276892012-02-21T14:04:00.000-05:002012-02-21T14:04:44.140-05:00Makin' it Happen - One Meal and One Workout at a Time<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Powerful. &nbsp;Strong. &nbsp;Driven. &nbsp;Motivated. &nbsp;Grateful. &nbsp;Clear headed. &nbsp;Bad ass.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are the words that come to mind when I examine how I feel about my journey in fitness. The road I'm traveling has become straight and I can see a long way down the road. The side streets have disappeared, there are no forks or obstacles in the road. &nbsp;These things (obstacles, etc.) do not exist for me. &nbsp;I do not accept them nor will I acknowledge them. &nbsp;Oh, I know they are there. &nbsp;Obstacles are like the guy in the grocery store that stares you down while you are shopping; you know he is there but he just is not important enough to warrant you expending any of your precious energy on his dorkiness. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the next 20.5 weeks I will be a machine, perfectly tuned and maintained for optimum performance. &nbsp;I will not eat anything or do anything that will not move me closer to my goal of bringing my best to my first figure competition. &nbsp;I will take one step at a time because I know that if I skip a step and try to run, I will trip and fall. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've had an amazing workout (today's is still to come), my food is prepped for the week and I am rested and energized.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0ty5Hy3w-M/T0PpGhoUIPI/AAAAAAAAALU/g5XyV9PO2GI/s1600/food+prep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0ty5Hy3w-M/T0PpGhoUIPI/AAAAAAAAALU/g5XyV9PO2GI/s400/food+prep.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Healthy ingredients ready to fuel my success! &nbsp;YUM!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Happy Tuesday, dear reader!</i></span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></div></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-60027180550764556922012-02-15T12:10:00.000-05:002012-02-15T12:10:34.245-05:00Final Case Study Recap - Week Twelve is Complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>That's a wrap, folks!</u></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I made it! &nbsp;I successfully completed the 12 week&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation.html" target="_blank">Recipe For Fitness Case Study</a>! &nbsp;It was a fantastic experience and I can't thank <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/about_us.html" target="_blank">Chelle and Tab</a> enough for the things they taught me and they support they gave me. &nbsp;It was truly a life changing experience. &nbsp;You can read my final journal entry here: &nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html</span></a>. &nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just scroll down to the bottom of the page, the entries are in chronological order. &nbsp;Here are my progress pics and final stats:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksM0hGJLrS4/TzvOswUWW-I/AAAAAAAAALI/aA8zFr3LM0A/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksM0hGJLrS4/TzvOswUWW-I/AAAAAAAAALI/aA8zFr3LM0A/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; Final Stats:</b><br /><br /><ul><li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chest: &nbsp;34.5</b></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Waist: &nbsp;27.5</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Quad: &nbsp;18</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Bicep: &nbsp;10.25</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Calf: &nbsp;12</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Hips: &nbsp;30</b></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I realized very quickly that I needed to have a talk with myself and remember who I'm really doing this whole thing for. &nbsp;Ultimately, it's for me. &nbsp;I had completely shifted my drive and ambition to pleasing my trainer and nutritionist and took it off myself. &nbsp;It was so much easier that way, it took the focus off me and it became like having a dream job. &nbsp;I had a responsibility to uphold and nothing was going to stop me. &nbsp;In my opinion, that doesn't really require a lot of self discipline. &nbsp;It's really just about doing what's right. &nbsp;Now that I'm back to doing it just for me, I have to practice self discipline. &nbsp;If this is what I want (to compete) there are certain&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nonnegotiable things I must do to get it. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And so here I go! &nbsp;For the next seven weeks I will:</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">consume 1800 calories per day at a macro ratio of 40/30/30</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">do NO cardio</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">continue to build a strong foundation suitable for stage</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">tell myself every morning that there is a method to the madness</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">be grateful for my health and strive to be an example to those who want to get healthy too</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">work on blogging more often and share my journey with all of you</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">See you soon!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday, dear reader!</span></i></b></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-86062195585674959882012-02-06T20:26:00.000-05:002012-02-06T20:26:12.122-05:00Nutritional supplement know how: A series on supplements to educate and inform<a href="http://www.examiner.com/node/43080516/friends_family">Nutritional supplement know how: A series on supplements to educate and inform</a>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-90412242938895816212012-02-06T10:15:00.000-05:002012-02-06T10:15:21.673-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Eleven Recap<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>What Doesn't Kill Me Makes me Stronger!</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have one more week to soak up all the knowledge I can in this <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/" target="_blank">Fitness Case Study</a>. &nbsp;One more week. &nbsp;What an <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html" target="_blank">incredible experience</a> this has been. &nbsp;What an honor to have been chosen, what a victory to have survived. &nbsp;I made it! &nbsp;I completely changed my life, the way I train, the way I eat, the way I think... in three months! &nbsp;I am not the same woman I was when I started this adventure. &nbsp;I am braver, stronger and better because of the journey I have been on.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You know, a lot of times, when people make a drastic life change, we hear things like, "Never look back" or "That's all in the past" but I'm not so sure that's how I feel. &nbsp;I want to look back. &nbsp;I want to remember where I was just one year ago. &nbsp;I was fat, unhappy and hopeless. &nbsp;It's true that those things are in my past but they are also an important part of who I am now. <a href="http://figure-ativelyspeaking-eastofeden.blogspot.com/2012/01/me-i-used-to-be-fat-pics-included.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;I can't shut away the girl I used to be</a>, she's a part of who I am. &nbsp;She's evolved into a strong, confident woman who knows what she wants and is willing to work hard to get it. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have never worked so hard for anything in my life. &nbsp;I have gone from being someone who could barely get out of bed to take her kiddos to school, to someone who gets up at 3:20am, eats her first meal, showers &amp; dresses and gets to the gym by 4:30am so she can get her workout finished before her kiddos even wake up in the morning. &nbsp;I've graduated from diet Mtn. Dew and chocolate and moved on to whole foods and whey for my sustenance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I still get teary when I think about this being my last week with<a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/about_us.html" target="_blank"> the girls</a>. &nbsp;But you know what? They've done such an awesome job with me that, even though I'm sad, I know I'm gonna' be alright. &nbsp;I can figure macros, I can do a workout plan, I can do this. &nbsp;This is what it was all about... the transformation. &nbsp;I've been molded into a fitness machine. &nbsp;I've been taught well and now it's time for me to spread my wings and leave the nest. &nbsp;Besides, I know that if I fall, they'll be right there to pick me up and set me right. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I want to leave you today with some lyrics from one of my favorite songs on my workout playlist. &nbsp;They're from <b style="text-decoration: underline;">Stronger</b>&nbsp;by Kelly Clarkson. &nbsp;In reality, the song is about a romantic relationship coming to an end. &nbsp;However, if I remove the anger and the romance, a lot of the sentiment in this song holds true for where I'm at in my life right now. &nbsp;It's a time of transition, time for me to do it on my own. &nbsp;This will not kill me... it will only make me stronger. &nbsp;Better. A winner. &nbsp;A CHAMPION!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">What doesn't kill you makes you stronger</span></span></div><span class="line line-s" id="line_28" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">stand a little taller</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_29" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.</span></span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_30" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What doesn't kill you makes a fighter</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_31" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Footsteps even lighter</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_32" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">doesn't mean I'm over cause your gone.</span></span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_33" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_34" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just me, myself and I</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_35" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What doesn't kill you makes you stronger</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_36" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand a little taller&nbsp;</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_36" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone</span></span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_37" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_38" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks to you I got a new thing started</b></span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_38" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted</b></span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_38" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me</b></span></span><br /><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_41" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What doesn't kill you makes you stronger</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_42" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand a little taller</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_43" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone</span></span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_44" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What doesn't kill you makes a fighter</b></span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_45" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Footsteps even lighter....</b></span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_46" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3a598f; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_47" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stand a little taller</b></span></span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_51" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><br />Read more:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/stronger-lyrics-kelly-clarkson.html#ixzz1lc6nUPkm" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(87, 168, 196); color: #003399; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KELLY CLARKSON - STRONGER LYRICS</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/stronger-lyrics-kelly-clarkson.html#ixzz1lc6nUPkm" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(87, 168, 196); color: #003399; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">http://www.metrolyrics.com/stronger-lyrics-kelly-clarkson.html#ixzz1lc6nUPkm</a>&nbsp;</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">Copied from MetroLyrics.com</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Monday, dear reader!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> &nbsp;</span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-45229984284142791362012-01-30T09:48:00.000-05:002012-01-30T09:48:35.273-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Ten Recap (PS I CHEATED!)<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Wednesday of <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html" target="_blank">Week 10</a>, I got in trouble! &nbsp;It was my day to Skype with Tab and Chelle. During our Skype sessions we go over work outs, how I'm doing with my meal plan and how I'm feeling about the <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation.html" target="_blank">case study</a>. &nbsp;I was told that I'm "failing". &nbsp;Guess what I'm failing at???? &nbsp;Get ready for it: I'M FAILING AT CHEATING!!! &nbsp;Imagine the relief I felt when they told me what I was failing at! &nbsp;LOL! &nbsp;However, they still wanted it delt with. &nbsp;I was to fix it pronto and fix it good! My instructions were to cheat by the end of the weekend and to cheat a lot!</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Really? &nbsp;You can't possibly understand how excited I got that I was going to get to eat an entire meal of whatever I wanted without feeling the least bit guilty! &nbsp;Oh the JOY! :D &nbsp;I asked them what I should eat, I thought they'd die ROFL! &nbsp;They said, "Just eat! &nbsp;Eat whatever you want! CHEAT for goodness sake!" &nbsp;Have I told you lately that I love Tab and Chelle???? &nbsp;I really do. They MADE me cheat! &nbsp;YIPEEEEEEE!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I decided my cheat meal would happen Saturday night. &nbsp;I thought about it and pondered it constantly for the next two and a half days. &nbsp;I debated whether I'd eat ice cream (my absolute favorite naughty thing) or whether I'd eat something else that was carb-y and fatty but still healthy. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After MUCH deliberation...... I chose to do both! &nbsp;The hubby was sweet enough to prep it for me, he's a closet chef. &nbsp;My menu for the main part of my meal included: &nbsp;</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FQB-H-I3js/Tyar8TfFk8I/AAAAAAAAAKw/_94R9WHs7Tw/s1600/THEY+MADE+ME+CHEAT!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FQB-H-I3js/Tyar8TfFk8I/AAAAAAAAAKw/_94R9WHs7Tw/s320/THEY+MADE+ME+CHEAT!.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>French toast, fruit salad and grapefruit! &nbsp;YUM!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">French Toast made w/ Ezekiel Cinnamon bread. &nbsp;I drizzled it with honey and sprinkled it with my protein powder. &nbsp;(Yes - I asked him to keep the yolks in the batter!) &nbsp;YUM!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 a grapefruit</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fruit Salad (homemade)</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then, so as not to disappoint my trainer and nutritionist, I HAD DESSERT! &nbsp;I had: &nbsp;</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wdU_PIdzMs/TyasGJij0yI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vLgDwTKVUFc/s1600/THEY+MADE+ME+CHEAT+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wdU_PIdzMs/TyasGJij0yI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vLgDwTKVUFc/s320/THEY+MADE+ME+CHEAT+2.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ok, ok! &nbsp;Yes, I did put protein powder on my cake and ice cream. &nbsp;It was good! <br />And I didn't want to miss out on the muscle building protein!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A baby size Ben &amp; Jerry's Cookie Dough ice cream</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">a small slice of chocolate cream cake</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh, the GRubBage! &nbsp;You guys, it was soooo good! &nbsp;And I felt great the next day! &nbsp;I had soo much energy and was quite productive. &nbsp;I may continue this "cheat thing". &nbsp;I think I'd keep it a clean cheat though and just have the "meal" part of the cheat and nix the dessert. &nbsp;No one needs that crap every week. &nbsp;</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In general, week ten was successful. &nbsp;I increased some of my weights again and feel like I may have leaned out a little bit. &nbsp;We adjusted my cardio some and it really feels great.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's to another successful week!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Monday, dear reader!</i></b></span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-48049978243484831462012-01-29T16:12:00.000-05:002012-01-29T16:12:18.315-05:00LET IT SNOW!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjD3iycS9w0/TyW1qd2v6mI/AAAAAAAAAKo/z3QHHExX8rc/s1600/let+it+snow!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjD3iycS9w0/TyW1qd2v6mI/AAAAAAAAAKo/z3QHHExX8rc/s320/let+it+snow!.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what it looks like outside my house right now! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gonna' be an empty free weight room at 4:30 am, friends! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wha-hoooooooo!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Happy Sunday, dear reader!</i></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-32927239606830938242012-01-24T07:40:00.000-05:002012-01-24T07:40:01.554-05:00H2O Overflow!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who's drinking their water today??? &nbsp;My eyeballs are floatin'!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7I971eQpLk/Tx6l_t4P15I/AAAAAAAAAKc/odEnvq2q-KQ/s1600/H2O+EMPTY+JUG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7I971eQpLk/Tx6l_t4P15I/AAAAAAAAAKc/odEnvq2q-KQ/s320/H2O+EMPTY+JUG.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upped my water intake to 1 gallon / day! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">H20, H2O - It's to the potty I go...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Happy Tuesday, dear reader!</i></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-52199299613325683522012-01-23T10:09:00.000-05:002012-01-23T10:09:36.265-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Nine Recap<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Circuits and cardio and a calorie drop, OH MY! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The best way I can describe <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html" target="_blank">week nine</a> is to say that I got my arse handed to me on a platter! I've started the "leaning out" phase and suffice it to say, "It ain't no joke!". I've been doing circuits thru the whole study, but these seem to be harder. &nbsp;You see, Tab, aka the World's Greatest Trainer, knows just what order to put exercises in so that something that would ordinarily be easy as pie becomes nearly impossible. &nbsp;Notice the "nearly" in that sentence? Everything required can always be done, you just have to have your head in the game.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also got to start doing cardio this last week. &nbsp;It felt great to do it again. &nbsp;I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it. &nbsp;Right now, I have two days of HIIT and three days of Steady State cardio. &nbsp;I think I might even be seeing some results already! &nbsp;I seem to be getting a waist where there was none before! &nbsp;For a while now, I've been shaped like a brick! &nbsp;Just straight up and down. It's really exciting to see a curve!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Calories, smalories... &nbsp;uh, yeah, WHATEVER!!! &nbsp;They're important little things, those calories! Remember in a <a href="http://figure-ativelyspeaking-eastofeden.blogspot.com/2011/12/fitness-case-study-week-three-recap.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, when I said I'm running on racing fuel? &nbsp;Well, I'm still running on racing fuel, it just feels more like fumes than actual fuel! &nbsp;LOL! &nbsp;Basically, I still eat mostly the same foods I was eating before but in a little bit smaller portions. &nbsp;My caloric drop, on average, seems to be only about 200 calories per day but man, am I feelin' it! &nbsp;So that teaches us something: &nbsp;it is so important to know just how many calories you require in order to meet your fitness goal. &nbsp;Otherwise, you won't be functioning at optimum levels. &nbsp;Your training will suffer and you will not meet your goal! &nbsp;It really is very scientific, there's not a lot of guess work. &nbsp;Of course, everyone's body is different and tweaks will have to be made here and there for every individual. &nbsp;But the basic mathematical formulas lay great ground work for figuring out just how many calories you need to consume in accordance with your training style to meet your goal.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To wrap it up, I'm a little tired but SUPER MOTIVATED! &nbsp;I feel like my body is responding to the training and meal plan. &nbsp;I can't wait to see what changes are coming in the next few weeks!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9Mk5FpWTgM/Tx117lACNEI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6ACyW8nY9WQ/s1600/TRAIN+LIKE+A+CHAMPION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9Mk5FpWTgM/Tx117lACNEI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6ACyW8nY9WQ/s320/TRAIN+LIKE+A+CHAMPION.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Borrowed from Pinetrest.com</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Monday, dear reader!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-52430878274043551252012-01-19T14:31:00.000-05:002012-01-19T14:31:35.143-05:00Ladies & Gents, We Have a Date!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">OOOOOOOHHHHHH... I'm SO excited!!!! &nbsp;The date for my very first Figure Competition has been announced! &nbsp;On Saturday, July 14th 2012 I will be crossing the stage for the first time as a NPC Figure Competitor in the Nicole Wilkins Fitness, Figure &amp; Bikini Classic! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Believe it or not, I've already ordered fabric swatches so that I can start thinking about what color suit I'll wear! &nbsp;Oh and there will be <i>BLING,</i>&nbsp;lots and lots of <i>BLING!</i>&nbsp; I'm a girly girl so sparkle is all part of the fun for me. &nbsp;I'm also a crafty critter so I'm really toying with the idea of adding the <i>BLING </i>myself! &nbsp;I might even make my own jewelry. &nbsp;I've made a couple pieces previously and I really enjoy it. &nbsp;I have plenty of time if I start now! &nbsp;My mind is just whirling! &nbsp;The possibilities are endless....</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUJt2-kyRnw/TxhuIcEfR_I/AAAAAAAAAJI/51MU-5qOo4I/s1600/SWEAT+IS+FAT+CRYING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUJt2-kyRnw/TxhuIcEfR_I/AAAAAAAAAJI/51MU-5qOo4I/s320/SWEAT+IS+FAT+CRYING.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But - before I get lost in dream land, I have some more sweating to do. &nbsp;Did cardio this morning, have to do weights tonight. &nbsp;Must <b>earn</b> that pretty posing suit and all that sparkle! &nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Thursday, dear reader!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-26248253678752726532012-01-17T13:43:00.000-05:002012-01-17T13:43:19.282-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Eight Recap<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am morphing. &nbsp;Changing into something that I have never been before. When I enter the locker room at the gym, I feel like Clark Kent entering his phone booth! &nbsp;My breath comes faster and my heart starts to pound as I think about the task at hand. &nbsp;There is a cloud of mystery around me during each and every workout as I push harder and harder. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the back of my mind, a little voice repeats "Are you sure about this? &nbsp;Can you really do this? What if you hurt yourself?". &nbsp;But - in the forefront of my mind, there is another voice (oh boy, I wonder if I should be telling you all this. &nbsp;I'll probably end up in a straight jacket! &nbsp;LOL! &nbsp;<i>I hear voices...",</i>&nbsp;a much <b>louder</b> voice that says, "Go girl! &nbsp;Push it! &nbsp;Is that all you're gonna' do? &nbsp;Go hard or go home!". &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Whooo hoooo! &nbsp;This is when you know you're alive! &nbsp;When you get to do something that literally, without fail, pushes you closer to your goal every single time you do it!</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dw_ACp_f1g4/TxW2Qt5ObtI/AAAAAAAAAJA/a9O574WnUMg/s1600/CLOSER+THAN+I+WAS+YESTERDAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dw_ACp_f1g4/TxW2Qt5ObtI/AAAAAAAAAJA/a9O574WnUMg/s320/CLOSER+THAN+I+WAS+YESTERDAY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">During week eight, I stuck to my guns about NOT allowing perfectionism to come to the gym with me. &nbsp;I left it behind and instead of quitting when my strength started to waiver, I pushed on, sometimes shaking, sometimes growling but all the time knowing that it was the right thing to do and the real way to train. &nbsp;I welcomed the "new fatigue" that I experienced with this extra effort, knowing that it's how I'm supposed to feel. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Week eight also marked the end of my "growing phase" for the case study. &nbsp;That's not to say that I'm done growing my muscles! &nbsp;I still have LOTS of work to do in that department. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/about_us.html" target="_blank">The girls</a> just want me to experience what it's like to sort of "lean out" for competition. &nbsp; The biggest change to my program is that I get to do cardio again. &nbsp;That's exciting to me, I've been missing it. &nbsp;In addition, my calories are a little bit lower but still plenty high to maintain the muscle I've developed thus far. &nbsp;When I finish the case study, my calories will probably go back up and I'll probably stop doing cardio for a while. &nbsp;This is so that I can focus on muscle growth and development again. &nbsp;Then later, closer to my show date, I'll drop the calories, reintroduce the cardio and do a real competition prep. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There's a new journal entry, progress picture and measurements on the <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html" target="_blank">Recipe For Fitness</a> website. &nbsp;Just scroll to the bottom of the page to find the pic. &nbsp;I'm fairly pleased with the progress I see, especially when I remind myself that I've only been at it for eight weeks!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Tuesday, dear reader!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-5946935696247838232012-01-13T07:41:00.000-05:002012-01-13T07:41:49.240-05:00The Iron - y of it All<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In case you weren't aware, I live in Michigan</span>.<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp; On the east side of the state, where I live, we're experiencing our first snowfall of the year. &nbsp;I am originally from the west side of the state which receives much more snow so the snow over here hasn't slowed me down yet. &nbsp;It's like comparing an avalanche to a light dusting, really.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the things that I enjoy about living where I do now is that when it snows <i>at all </i>it actually slows a lot of people down and our road crews take really good care to clean off our roads well. &nbsp;Love it! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a point to all this, promise! &nbsp;;) &nbsp;I got to the gym this morning and the freeweight room was E - M - P - T - Y! &nbsp;Party time! &nbsp;Oh, but wait.... my workout wasn't in the freeweight room today. &nbsp;"WH WH WHAT???? &nbsp;Ok, oh well, everybody's just running late because of the snow. &nbsp;It'll fill up soon, you're not missing anything, Carlene." &nbsp;A hour later, I went back to the freeweight room to grab an attachment I needed for my next exercise. &nbsp;"WHAT THE H - E - DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS??? &nbsp;There's still nobody in here! &nbsp;Grrrrr! &nbsp;Now I'm mad!" &nbsp;I returned to the room I was using, finished my workout and went back to the freeweight room to return the attachment I'd borrowed. &nbsp;One little, old man was in there by himself, doing therapeutic exercises for his rotator cuff. &nbsp;Bless his heart. &nbsp;I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have been in my way. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How ironic! &nbsp;A completely empty freeweight room on a day that I don't need it. &nbsp;I'm sorry, lonely freeweight room, I promise to come back soon! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-27215539973140868352012-01-12T11:28:00.000-05:002012-01-12T11:28:45.733-05:00I's Gettin' Skooled!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So much to learn, soooo little time! &nbsp;I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation.html" target="_blank">Recipe For Fitness Case Study</a>. &nbsp;I had no idea when I applied that I was going to grow so much emotionally as well as physically! &nbsp;What an amazing process. &nbsp;What a painful process, what a healthy process. &nbsp;WHAT A NECESSARY PROCESS! &nbsp;I's really gettin' skooled!&nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's the deal: &nbsp;being a former carbohydrate addict is not the only skeleton I have in my closet. &nbsp;I am also a perfectionist and I'm not recovered from that... yet. &nbsp; &nbsp;Perfectionism effects pretty much everything I do. &nbsp;It also "slows down" (actually, I should say, I allow it to slow down) everything I do. &nbsp;I discovered on Tuesday that I am allowing it to slow down my progress on the Case Study! &nbsp;This is how I allowed perfectionism a foothold in my work: one of the things that the girls have stressed to us thru the program is how imperative it is to maintain good form on our exercises. &nbsp;You know, to prevent injury, so that we work the area the exercise is supposed to work etc. &nbsp;In a nutshell, what we were told was that if we could no longer complete a rep with good form, we were done with that set. &nbsp;Guess what, folks! &nbsp;There is a BIG difference between PERFECT form and what the last repetition of a set should look like! &nbsp;The last rep is not supposed to look as good as the first! &nbsp;It can be slow, it can be shaky, most times you probably won't be able to complete it. &nbsp;I took their direction to mean that when my reps started to "look yucky" I was to stop. &nbsp;DUH!!! &nbsp;They were just trying to keep me from killing myself by telling me that if I was starting to cheat on the rep, swing the weight, use other muscle groups to help me, I was to be finished with that exercise! &nbsp;See how I let that perfectionism creep in there? &nbsp;I let myself think that because my last reps weren't as pretty as my first I should quit. &nbsp;Ugh! &nbsp;So while I was working hard and THOUGHT I was doing as much as I THOUGHT I could, I was slowing down my progress by not allowing myself to experience true, POSITIVE failure! &nbsp;It just wasn't clicking in this "perfect" little brain of mine. &nbsp;SO, Carlene one... Perfectionism zero!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's the second way I almost allowed perfectionism to have control over my life: &nbsp;in a previous post I announced that I plan to do two figure competitions this year. &nbsp;I also said that I was going into the first competition with the attitude that I would "just do it for the experience and to learn" but that I would "win" the second competition I did. &nbsp;Talk about trying to protect myself from failure again! &nbsp;I was so afraid that I would feel like a fool at my first show that I was just going to show up with the attitude that I was just "doing it for fun"! &nbsp;But that isn't what's in my heart and if I continue to have that attitude I'm going to seriously cheat myself out of some of the best and worst nuances of competition. &nbsp;Considering the fact that deep, deep inside I really would like to go <b>PRO</b> (I'm totally serious about this, its been a hidden dream of mine since high school. &nbsp;I used to have posters of Mia Finnegan and Monica Brant all over my walls!), that's pretty damn stupid! &nbsp;Why would I do that to myself? &nbsp;BECAUSE I'M NOT GIVING MYSELF THE RESPECT I DESERVE! &nbsp;I am limiting my opportunities and life experiences with my fear of failure! &nbsp;NOT ANYMORE! &nbsp;I'm all done with that now. &nbsp;So, look out anybody doing those two shows here in Michigan, cause I might just win 'em both!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dj1FtRQDaw/Tw8GMwwMX8I/AAAAAAAAAI0/HoSBJJKJsKU/s1600/jump+in.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dj1FtRQDaw/Tw8GMwwMX8I/AAAAAAAAAI0/HoSBJJKJsKU/s1600/jump+in.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I may not know what my future holds,<br />but I'm jumping in with both feet!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I owe <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/about_us.html" target="_blank">Tab and Chelle</a> a great big "thank you" for their honesty and concern for me during our Skype session Tuesday night. &nbsp;It was a major wake up call. Tab, your <a href="http://recipeforfitness-tabitha.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog post today</a> drove it home. &nbsp;I took everything you said to heart and am a better, stronger person because of it. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Thursday, dear reader!</i></b></span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-29333183941947095692012-01-09T11:55:00.000-05:002012-01-09T11:55:41.215-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Seven Recap<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What do chocolate and salted caramel ice cream with brownie, Kit Kat and graham cracker crust mix ins have to do with this post? &nbsp;LOTS! &nbsp;I ate them!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1oJxTRT5Pk/TwsA6-fWhBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/GcgZ0ofzs50/s1600/Icecream+mmmmmmmm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1oJxTRT5Pk/TwsA6-fWhBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/GcgZ0ofzs50/s320/Icecream+mmmmmmmm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>At Cold Stone Cream Creamery totally enjoying <br />&nbsp;my <i><u>first and last</u></i> treat / cheat of the case study.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;In case you're wondering, I didn't break any rules by&nbsp;indulging&nbsp;in this&nbsp;magnificent deliciousness. &nbsp;Tab and Chelle actually allow us one treat / cheat meal per week. &nbsp;This was just the only time that I <strike>wanted</strike>&nbsp;(make that was WILLING)&nbsp;to cheat. &nbsp;There have been lots of times I've WANTED to cheat, just a bite won't hurt me, right, but I have chosen not to. &nbsp;I've actually been planning this little treat party for a while now and it happened this weekend for a reason. &nbsp;The goal thru the program so far has been for me to build as much muscle as possible. &nbsp;Trust me when I tell you that this happens at a much slower rate than fat loss and the body makes very specific demands regarding what type of nutrition it's willing to work with in order to build said muscle. &nbsp;If I had been living it up, having a treat meal every week, that would have been seven meals of muscle building fuel that my body would have missed out on! &nbsp;Seven whole meals! &nbsp;That's a lot of fuel to give up! &nbsp;Now for the second part of my formula: why I chose this particular week to have my treat. &nbsp;Next week, if I understood &nbsp;the bosses correctly, I begin my leaning out phase. &nbsp;That's when the fat burning happens and my little baby muscles (I say baby muscles with a lot of affection, I'm excited about them) will start to show. &nbsp;This is just my opinion, based on research I've done, take it or leave it - anytime you eat clean for a while and then have a treat, your metabolism gets "shocked". &nbsp;It's kind of like waking up a sleeping dragon, give it a nudge and it starts to breath fire. &nbsp;Now you might be asking, "Why didn't you wait until you're actual leaning out phase to do it then?" &nbsp;Because I knew I was going to eat c-r-a-p! &nbsp;I didn't want to give my body unnecessary, empty, useless calories to have to burn up when the point of my training will be to burn the fat I've already got right now.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, that's my soapbox speech on treats. &nbsp;Now on to more important things, like the case study! &nbsp;</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NtDH-E5W6vk/TwsKLivVLOI/AAAAAAAAAIs/uGYEFbYMq1k/s1600/Icecream+explaination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NtDH-E5W6vk/TwsKLivVLOI/AAAAAAAAAIs/uGYEFbYMq1k/s320/Icecream+explaination.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'm explaining to the Cold Stone gal that participating in <br />the case study&nbsp;and that this is the first treat I've had since the&nbsp;end of summer. &nbsp;Can you tell how excited I am?&nbsp;</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Week seven was full of the usual: weights, food and love. &nbsp;I'm loving going to the gym at 4:30 am and having the place almost to myself. &nbsp;No one's in my way, I don't have to share equipment and I can grunt and groan as loud as I wanna! &nbsp;Oh the joy!!! &nbsp;I got to try a couple new exercises too: "cross over lunges" and the "iron cross". &nbsp;Zowie! &nbsp;They're both tough and I have a feeling they're also very effective. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As my workouts get harder and I'm more tired toward the end I find myself thinking, "What if this is the last time I get to do this exercise? &nbsp;What if Tab doesn't put it on a later program? &nbsp;Have I given it everything I have? &nbsp;Used it to it's full potential?" &nbsp;I'm really trying to focus on the fact that <i>every single rep counts</i>. &nbsp;The ones in the beginning when I feel the strongest, they count. &nbsp;But the ones at the end that feel impossible, the ones I barely squeak out? &nbsp;Those count the most!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This week, I wish you peace and success in all you do. &nbsp;MAKE EVERY REP COUNT!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Monday, dear reader!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-16273129653627611892012-01-06T11:08:00.000-05:002012-01-06T11:08:45.670-05:00The Me I Used to Be (FAT PICS INCLUDED)<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn't discover blogging until my fitness journey was well under way. &nbsp;I realized a couple of days ago that none of you know where I'm really coming from, what I've been thru or what my story is. &nbsp;So I've decided to share some personal history to enlighten you. &nbsp;I won't bore those of who have read my <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html" target="_blank">transformation bio</a> with the same story. &nbsp;If you haven't read it, click on the link and check it out. &nbsp;You might find a sense of comforting&nbsp;familiarity&nbsp;there.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am a fully recovered carbohydrate addict. &nbsp;I am&nbsp;genetically predisposed to addiction (my dad is an alcoholic) and I chose carbs as my crutch. &nbsp;Suffice it to say, I would eat multiple bags of candy per day and could easily eat an entire loaf of freshly baked french bread. &nbsp;Here are the results of that behavior:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxyeRfcGRvE/TwcFGgpySKI/AAAAAAAAAIE/TePASer09s8/s1600/fat+at+the+reunion%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxyeRfcGRvE/TwcFGgpySKI/AAAAAAAAAIE/TePASer09s8/s640/fat+at+the+reunion%2521.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is me in July of 2010! &nbsp;Nope, I wasn't pregnant! <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time this pic was taken my youngest was already 14 months old.</span></b></div></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I want everyone who is struggling with getting healthy to know that I HAVE BEEN THERE! &nbsp;I understand the depression and difficulties that come with being overweight. &nbsp;I understand wanting to break every mirror in your house so you don't have to look at the person in the reflection one more time. &nbsp;I understand the self loathing that comes from letting yourself get like that. &nbsp;I know what it feels like to get "the look" from your doctor. &nbsp;I was there, I know.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh6fkvEO2v0/TwcI4XahDoI/AAAAAAAAAIM/2foY9f6NQNc/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh6fkvEO2v0/TwcI4XahDoI/AAAAAAAAAIM/2foY9f6NQNc/s320/IMG_3200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Christmas 2010. &nbsp;I look mad. <br />Someone had probably eaten my chocolate.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG0VVPq3Q1w/TwcJRbbjWgI/AAAAAAAAAIU/3jjOvUXcpHE/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG0VVPq3Q1w/TwcJRbbjWgI/AAAAAAAAAIU/3jjOvUXcpHE/s320/IMG_3201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Christmas 2010. &nbsp;Obviously, not my best angle.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was actually these Christmas pictures that brought to my attention just how big I had gotten. &nbsp;(I didn't find the picture from the family reunion until the other day.) &nbsp;It still took another two months for me to commit to making a change. &nbsp;I had to straighten out my brain before I could fix my body. &nbsp;In March of 2011, I discovered a book called <i><u>Potatoes not Prozac</u></i> by Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. &nbsp;This book started the pendulum swinging and it hasn't stopped since. &nbsp;I applied what I learned from this book and recovered from my carbohydrate addiction. &nbsp;Then I began to work on my body. &nbsp;By May 2011, I had dropped my first 20 lbs and by July 2011, I had made goal weight. &nbsp;Total, I lost approximately 40 lbs to hit my goal. &nbsp;I wish I had pictures of me while I was dropping the weight to post but we didn't take that many and the ones we did take are of me in my undies. &nbsp;Not gonna happen! &nbsp;;) &nbsp;You can thank me later. &nbsp;LOL! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It wasn't all flowers and sunshine when I made goal weight, either. &nbsp;I was floppy and baggy and skinny and icky all over! &nbsp;Not at all how I wanted to look. &nbsp;I began searching for my next goal. &nbsp;BUT--- <b><i>this is sooooo important</i></b> --- I didn't stop doing what I had been doing while I tried to decide what I wanted to do next! &nbsp;I kept going thru the plateau. &nbsp;I didn't let the fact that I didn't look how I wanted to stop me and I didn't quit because I didn't know what to do next. &nbsp;I just kept doing what I knew to do. &nbsp;By this time, I had found <a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/" target="_blank">Chelle's blog</a> (I thank God often for Chelle) and soon after that she announced her <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation.html" target="_blank">Case Study for Recipe For Fitness</a>. &nbsp;I knew that this was my answer, that participating could &nbsp;push me into the next level of fitness. &nbsp;I applied and I waited and I waited and I waited to hear whether I had been accepted. &nbsp;BUT --- while I waited I kept going! &nbsp;I kept doing what I knew how to do. &nbsp;Then FINALLY ;) &nbsp;they made the announcement and guess what! &nbsp;I wasn't selected. &nbsp;So what did I do? &nbsp;I kept going, kept doing what I knew how to do. &nbsp;I read some more Oxygen and some more Fitness Rx and Muscle and Fitness Hers. &nbsp;I learned more and decided on a routine to follow and I got started. &nbsp;You have to move past the obstacles, people. &nbsp;When you want something bad enough, that is what you do. &nbsp;You just keep going, NO MATTER WHAT! &nbsp;Just three days after I made the commitment to begin my own program, <a href="http://recipeforfitness-tabitha.blogspot.com/2011/11/welcome-to-party.html" target="_blank">Tabitha</a> and <a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2011/11/allow-me-to-introduce.html" target="_blank">Chelle</a>&nbsp; (read their blog posts about the whole thing here) contacted me to let me know that due to unforeseen circumstances of one of the participants, they'd had to drop out and... <i>wait for it</i>... I WAS NEXT IN THE LINE UP! &nbsp;I WAS IN! &nbsp;I WAS SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE! &nbsp;I do not care that I wasn't one of the original eight and I do not care that I got in by default! &nbsp;I'm here now and I am giving this program everything I have day in and day out! &nbsp;I will not bow, I will not break, I will shut the world away... (Breaking Benjamin song)! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROZcq5dU18M/TwcZU8kp7XI/AAAAAAAAAIc/CVs8ViuNFMA/s1600/4+Weeks+Progress+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROZcq5dU18M/TwcZU8kp7XI/AAAAAAAAAIc/CVs8ViuNFMA/s400/4+Weeks+Progress+Pic.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is me three weeks ago. <br />New pic goes on the RFF website next week.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;I hope this give you a little insight into where I've come from. &nbsp;I invite you to join me as I train for my first Figure Competition! &nbsp;My goal is to do two shows this year, one in July and one in October. &nbsp;My plan is to participate in the July show to learn and gain experience. &nbsp;My plan for the October show is to WIN!! &nbsp;Stay tuned. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Friday, dear reader!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> &nbsp;</span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-48218780557273283502012-01-04T10:24:00.000-05:002012-01-04T10:24:38.580-05:00Traveling Blueprints<div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Those of you who read my blog regularly know that <a href="http://figure-ativelyspeaking-eastofeden.blogspot.com/2011/12/helllppp-i-have-to-travel.html" target="_blank">I was really freaked out around the holidays because I had to travel</a> and I couldn't imagine how I'd maintain the same level of training and uphold the integrity of my nutritional plan while away from home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are many things that go into being able to stay consistent while on the road. &nbsp;I picked up tricks from some of you, did some research and also learned from experience during my trip. &nbsp;I won't bore you with all of the details but I'll give you a few highlights. &nbsp;Maybe there will be something that can help you the next time you have to be out and about!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">TRIP ITINERARY: &nbsp;study it! &nbsp;You can plan your meals much more easily if you know when you'll be in the air and when you'll be on the ground. &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AIRLINE REQUIREMENTS: &nbsp;go to your airline's website to find out what they'll allow (liquids &amp; so forth) you to carry on the plane. &nbsp;Also see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/">www.tsa.gov</a>&nbsp;for additional tips.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WORKOUT FACILITIES: &nbsp;know where you're going to workout and what equipment they have. &nbsp;The resort we stayed at advertised that they had a workout facility. &nbsp;If I had just taken that at face value, I would have arrived and discovered that they had some cardio machines and a swiss ball! &nbsp;Call workout facilities ahead of time and ask about their policy on guests, I had to call 4 gyms before I found one that would allow me to come in without a member escort! &nbsp;Find out whether they have lockers available (will you need a lock?) and what their hours are. &nbsp;Also, get directions before you ever leave home and there will be a lot less chaos to contend with.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: &nbsp;plan every meal you are going to consume before you ever leave home. &nbsp;Know where it will come from and how you will eat it (cold or hot, plastic fork or spoon, on a plane, in a car, standing on your head?) &nbsp;You must be prepared for anything.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LISTS: &nbsp;make your grocery list before you leave for your trip and know what store you will shop at and how to get there. &nbsp;The more organized you are before you leave home, the easier the whole process will be.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LOVED ONES: &nbsp;let those you are visiting know in advance that you will be continuing your meal plan / training while on the road. &nbsp;If they have time to mentally prepare for this it won't come as such a shock to them when you don't eat the meal they prepared or have to leave early to go workout.</span></li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcIQJ3I-4I0/TvnXPUTyW-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/FFWM30Iidh4/s1600/Blueprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcIQJ3I-4I0/TvnXPUTyW-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/FFWM30Iidh4/s320/Blueprints.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Your personal minute by minute blueprint is the key to your success!</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once I got my brain wrapped around the idea of continuing my routine in a different location, it wasn't really such a big deal. &nbsp;I was prepared and therefore, I succeeded!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hope these ideas can help you be more prepared the next time you have to travel!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Wednesday, dear reader!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</div></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-6130916473845018162012-01-03T07:59:00.000-05:002012-01-03T07:59:54.484-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Six Recap<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hi there! &nbsp;I've now completed six weeks of the <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/" target="_blank">Recipe For Fitness case study</a>. &nbsp;That marks half way, folks. &nbsp;I've packed on more muscle than I've ever had in my lifetime. &nbsp;Although I was eating clean before I started the study, I&nbsp;defiantly wasn't eating correctly. &nbsp;I want to write another happy, upbeat post but despite my progress, I'm a little bummed.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvLfmSEqzOY/TwLy1AZIc_I/AAAAAAAAAHY/5gOEAc_wajM/s1600/Sad+cloud.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvLfmSEqzOY/TwLy1AZIc_I/AAAAAAAAAHY/5gOEAc_wajM/s1600/Sad+cloud.bmp" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reflecting on the process makes me realize just how soon it will be over. &nbsp;Its like a dream to have someone plan your meals for you, especially according to your personal tastes and fitness goals! &nbsp;Top that off with someone coordinating your workouts so perfectly, so purposefully, that your body starts changing almost immediately and its not something you ever want to lose. &nbsp;</span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I won't ever give up</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> the lifestyle changes I've made, the knowledge I've gained or the discipline I've developed but the set up I have right now is perfect! &nbsp;I am forever spoiled, educated and changed by the <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/about_us.html" target="_blank">RFF Girls</a>! &nbsp;;)&nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On the lighter side, the Hubby &amp; I have started training together and what a difference it makes! &nbsp;I was able to push so much harder today because of him being there to spot me thru those last couple of reps! &nbsp;</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMHq9dZ1ixk/TwLzL6OJoRI/AAAAAAAAAHk/nxyPpX2FL2E/s1600/Gym.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMHq9dZ1ixk/TwLzL6OJoRI/AAAAAAAAAHk/nxyPpX2FL2E/s1600/Gym.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Just look at all the people!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've made a realization that I'm not too fond of, however. &nbsp;Apparently, the cozy little bubble I exist in while I'm working out in my basement does not encircle me everywhere I go! &nbsp;I have discovered that I am not the only person on the planet when I'm working out. &nbsp;When I first started the case study, I wasn't as strong as I am now and so the smaller free weights that I had in my basement were plenty to keep me going. &nbsp;I've built a lot of strength in the last few weeks and I've outgrown my home gym so the hubby and I joined the Y-Center. &nbsp;Luckily, he qualifies for a corporate membership and his company takes care of it so it worked out well. &nbsp;Anyway, my first time at the Y-Center proved to be interesting. &nbsp;There were people everywhere and they were using the equipment I needed! &nbsp;I couldn't believe it! &nbsp;I accidentally made an audible noise (ok, maybe more of a whine) when I finished one of my circuits and went to start it over again. &nbsp;There was someone using the machine I needed!&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJ-6Mbdvxdc/TwL0jlIFS_I/AAAAAAAAAHw/6UtoNrzP6GU/s1600/Woman+w+clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJ-6Mbdvxdc/TwL0jlIFS_I/AAAAAAAAAHw/6UtoNrzP6GU/s200/Woman+w+clock.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'm waaaaaiiiting.........</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Wh-wh-what is going on here?", I thought to myself as I quickly went over my options in my head. &nbsp;I could stand around and wait for him to do his set(s) or I could improvise. &nbsp;I chose to improvise (while still working the same muscle group and maintaining the integrity of my workout) and in the end, I think it was the right choice as I still left the gym exhausted and proud of what I'd accomplished.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wonder if Ava Cowan has to stand around and wait for equipment???</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8d8s8c1UAg/TwL2hL0fnPI/AAAAAAAAAH8/U95wI1Hcop8/s1600/Ava+Cowan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8d8s8c1UAg/TwL2hL0fnPI/AAAAAAAAAH8/U95wI1Hcop8/s200/Ava+Cowan.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm guessing she probably doesn't have to stand around and wait for much of anything.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Happy Tuesday, dear reader!!!</i></span></div></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-69714453304273328152011-12-29T14:19:00.000-05:002011-12-29T14:19:19.998-05:00Recipe for Fitness - Tabitha: 2006 Figure Show Transformation<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If this doesn't motivate you, nothing will!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://recipeforfitness-tabitha.blogspot.com/p/my-show-transformation.html?spref=bl">Recipe for Fitness - Tabitha: 2006 Figure Show Transformation</a>: I have been asked a many times to post and share my pictoral journey from my figure competition. My hesitancy has been due to the fact tha...FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-6814163949545769772011-12-27T12:00:00.000-05:002011-12-27T12:00:04.023-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Five Recap<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You might remember that earlier in the month I was pretty panicked about some traveling I had to do. &nbsp;Well...&nbsp;</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I MADE IT!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was a whirl-wind trip to Texas to visit my husband's family. &nbsp;We flew out at 6:00 am on Monday the 19th and returned to Michigan at 12:30 am on Saturday the 24th. &nbsp;That put us home at about 2:30 am and by 9:00 am we were back on the road to deliver my two oldest kids to their dad, who lives about 2.5 hours away. &nbsp;We then visited with my parents, who live about 20 minutes from where my ex-husband lives, and returned home on Sunday night, the 25th, at about 6:00 pm. &nbsp;WHEW!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Obviously, during this traveling, I couldn't let my work on the <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/transformation/carleneH.html" target="_blank">case study</a> falter. &nbsp;So, let's see, we had air travel with 3 kids (2 of whom had never flown), many hours of car travel since we were back and forth between different cities in Texas,&nbsp;unfamiliar gyms so I could keep up with my training and following my meal plan to the letter while everyone around me ate cookies, candy, Christmas dinner and more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am not an experienced traveler. &nbsp;As a matter of fact, until my hubby &amp; I had got together, I had only flown once in my entire lifetime. &nbsp;I was totally freaked out by the idea of trying to maintain my work on the case study while being away from home. &nbsp;I couldn't imagine how I could be away and still keep up with my training. &nbsp;It can be done. (Tips to follow in a later post.) What you must do is: &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">plan, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">plan, PLAN! &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you to all of you that provided input and suggestions as I began developing my blueprint for the trip. &nbsp;Your help was&nbsp;indispensable to my success! &nbsp;:)</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I found a Bally's in San Antonio that would let me in without a member escort so that's where I trained the first two workouts. &nbsp;It was a nice gym and I was able to get an excellent workout both days. &nbsp;The third day, I trained at the Y-Center in Austin. &nbsp;That was an absolutely beautiful facility! &nbsp;Again, mission accomplished! &nbsp;Here's what my kids did while I was sweating at Bally's:</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnf_id2RO6g/Tvn2Ke7AfFI/AAAAAAAAAHM/hWYgHu2u_Qo/s1600/WHATABURGER%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnf_id2RO6g/Tvn2Ke7AfFI/AAAAAAAAAHM/hWYgHu2u_Qo/s320/WHATABURGER%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>They ate at WHATABURGER! &nbsp;Grooosssss!!!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I managed to follow my food plan while I was away. &nbsp;I ate out of baggies while on the road and got some strange looks but it worked out. &nbsp;I realized on Tuesday, on my way to the gym, that I didn't have a fork with me to eat my lunch with. &nbsp;Couldn't let that stop me though:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsVLdXqA7e8/Tvn1CIVXxjI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1d4hYRJaGJc/s1600/No+fork%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsVLdXqA7e8/Tvn1CIVXxjI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1d4hYRJaGJc/s320/No+fork%2521.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Who needs a fork when you've got fingers? &nbsp;It's time to eat!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all, it was a very successful week. &nbsp;I'm proud of what I accomplished and won't be quite as nervous the next time I have to travel. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Tuesday, dear reader!</i></b></span></div></div><div></div><div><ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4447435846455569237.post-60632781119906201042011-12-27T08:58:00.000-05:002011-12-27T08:58:42.315-05:00Fitness Case Study - Week Four Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm baaaaaaaaack! &nbsp;Week four was successful and I grew physically, mentally and emotionally. I made a decision during this week to turn a dream into a reality. &nbsp;At some point in the future, I am going to participate in a Figure Competition! &nbsp;I haven't committed to a particular show yet because I don't know what a realistic time frame for me to do this in would be. &nbsp;So I have some home work and research to do in order to "figure" it out. &nbsp;;) &nbsp;But... it'll happen.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My birthday happened to fall during week four and my girlfriends got together and threw me a surprise party. &nbsp;It worked out perfectly because we were all going to be together anyway since we were celebrating one of my friend's son's birthday that day. &nbsp;My friends know me very well and knew that I wouldn't eat birthday cake but wanted to honor my special day someway so here's what they came up with:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gArhXnAutI/TvnL1-ErmxI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Dn0P8ssbxXA/s1600/THe+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gArhXnAutI/TvnL1-ErmxI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Dn0P8ssbxXA/s320/THe+egg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u>Yes, that's right! &nbsp;It's a hard boiled egg! &nbsp;LOL!!!</u></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It'd been a long time since I'd laughed <i>that </i>hard! &nbsp;Definitely&nbsp;a day I'll never forget.</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Tuesday, dear reader!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>FIGUR(E)-atively Speakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204423096985876783noreply@blogger.com0